Clustering Rules: A Comparison of Partitioning and Hierarchical Clustering Algorithms

Previous research has resulted in a number of different algorithms for rule discovery. Two approaches discussed here, the ‘all-rules’ algorithm and multi-objective metaheuristics, both result in the production of a large number of partial classification rules, or ‘nuggets’, for describing different subsets of the records in the class of interest. This paper describes the application of a number of different clustering algorithms to these rules, in order to identify similar rules and to better understand the data.     

Dynamic reflection and refraction of neutrons

Optical phenomena that arise in the interaction of a neutron wave with matter characterized by a variable magnetic-induction vector are considered. Since the interaction is time-dependent, the neutron energy is not conserved. Only the neutron velocity component, which is orthogonal to the matter boundary, changes. The changes in the neutron energy and in direction of propagation are closely related to the reversal of the neutron-spin projection. Possibilities of application of the thin slab with rotating magnetization are considered.     

Laser Doppler anemometry under plasma conditions. Part II. Measurements in an inductively coupled r.f. plasma

Laser Doppler anemometry is used for the measurements of the plasma and particle velocity profiles in the coil region of an inductively coupled r.f. plasma. Results are reported for a 50 mm i.d. induction plasma torch operated at atmospheric pressure with argon as the plasma gas. The oscillator frequency is 3 MHz and the plate power is varied between 4.6 and 10.5 kW. Plasma velocity measurements are obtained using a fine carbon powder as a tracer. Measurements are also given for larger silicon particles ( ) centrally injected into the discharge under different operating conditions.Nomenclature d _p particle diameter - P ₀ plasma power - Q ₁ powder carrier gas flow rate - Q ₂ plasma gas flow rate - Q ₃ sheath gas flow rate - r distance in the radial direction - V axial plasma velocity - V _p axial particle velocity - Z distance in the axial direction - standard deviation     

Exhaled breath condensate: Determination of non-volatile compounds and their potential for clinical diagnosis and monitoring. A review

Exhaled breath condensate is a promising, non-invasive, diagnostic sample obtained by condensation of exhaled breath. Starting from a historical perspective of early attempts of breath testing towards the contemporary state-of-the-art breath analysis, this review article focuses mainly on the progress in determination of non-volatile compounds in exhaled breath condensate. The mechanisms by which the aerosols/droplets of non-volatile compounds are formed in the airways are discussed with methodological consequences for sampling. Dilution of respiratory droplets is a major problem for correct clinical interpretation of the measured data and there is an urgent need for standardization of EBC. This applies also for collection instrumentation and therefore various commercial and in-house built devices are described and compared with regard to their design, function and collection parameters. The analytical techniques and methods for determination of non-volatile compounds as potential markers of oxidative stress and lung inflammation are scrutinized with an emphasis on method suitability, sensitivity and appropriateness. The relevance of clinical findings for each group of possible non-volatile markers of selected pulmonary diseases and methodological recommendations with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration that is essential for future development into a fully validated clinical diagnostic tool are given.     

Ionic Copolymerizations

It is shown that for the reported instances of “random” copolymerization in cationic systems, N values related to relative reactivity may be derived for monomers. The N values approximate reasonably well the values of the function, exp (-e) - 1.23, where e is the polarity e of the Q-e scheme for free-radical copolymerizations.

In a recent paper [1] it was shown that for the reported instances [2-4] of “random” copolymerization (r₁,r₂ = 1) in cationic systems, N values, related to relative reactivity, might be derived for monomers, employing styrene as a base monomer (N = 1). Thus d[M₁]/d[M₂] =N₁[M₁]/N₂[M₂] (1)

where d[M₁]/d[M₂] is the instantaneous copolymer composition, [M₁]/[M₂] is the ratio of unreacted monomers, and N₁ and N₂ are parameters related to general monomer reactivity of monomers 1 and 2, respectively, in cationic copolymerization.     

Can the presence of chemically inert species modify the face selectivity in asymmetric induction by cyclodextrins?

Reduction of-cyclodextrin (-CD) aromatic ketone (acetophenone and acetonaphthones) inclusion compounds were carried out in the presence of a large number of chemically inert species as potential co-guests. In several cases, it was observed that stoichiometric molar ratios of these compounds to ketone significantly modify the chiral induction yielding the inverted alcohol enantiomer and increasing the face selectivity. The results were found to depend strongly on the respective structure and shape of both the ketone and the additive, and on the molar ratio of-CD:ketone:third compound. These observations suggest the formation of a three-component inclusion complex in which the geometry of binding of the substrate and its mobility are changed with respect to the binary system.     

Synthesis and Reaction of Some Indenopyridine and Thieno[2,3-b]Indeno[2,1-e]Pyridine Derivatives

Synthesis of indenopyridine-2-thione derivatives 6a-e via reaction of compound 1 with thioamides 2a-e in good yields. Several thieno[2,3-b]indeno[2,1-e]pyridine 9a-e have been synthesized. Some of them was used as a key intermediate in synthesis of 10-12. On the other hand, compound 1 reacted with various reagents to yield 16, 19, 21-24.     

Molecular mechanics-assisted crystal engineering of solid state photoreactions: application to the Yang photocyclization of α-1-norbornylacetophenone derivatives

Based on molecular mechanics, Yang photocyclization of α-1-norbornylacetophenone derivatives in the crystalline state was engineered through methylation adjacent to the carbonyl group, thus changing the conformation in the crystal and leading to enhanced diastereo- and enantioselectivity.